If you are looking for a heavenly bite that perfectly balances sweetness and richness, the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little delights combine the natural caramel-like sweetness of Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter and a decadent shell of extra dark chocolate, finished with a hint of flaky sea salt that elevates every flavor note. Whether you want a quick snack, an elegant dessert, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe brings incredible texture and taste to your table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are super simple yet absolutely essential to create that luxurious combo of flavors and textures you’ll love. Each one plays a unique role — from the soft sweetness of the dates to the rich creaminess of the peanut butter and the deep, bittersweet notes of the chocolate coating. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe shine:
- 20 Medjool dates: Large, soft, and naturally sweet, perfect for stuffing.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter): Adds a smooth, nutty filling that pairs beautifully with the dates.
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional): For a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional): Boosts nutrition and adds a gentle texture contrast.
- 1 cup extra dark chocolate chips: Brings a rich, intense chocolate coating that complements the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate for easy dipping.
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (Maldon recommended): The salty crunch provides the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by carefully slicing each Medjool date lengthwise, cutting through just one side. The goal is to create a perfect little pocket where you can remove the pit and make room for the luscious peanut butter filling. Taking your time here ensures clean, easy stuffing later on.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter with any optional add-ins you love. I like adding pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts to my filling for a bit of crunch and nutritional goodness. This mixture not only tastes amazing but also gives a nice contrast against the soft dates.
Step 3: Prepare Your Work Surface
Line a baking sheet or any flat tray that fits in your freezer with parchment or wax paper. This will make transferring and freezing the dates hassle-free. If freezer space is tight, two plates can also work perfectly.
Step 4: Stuff the Dates
Use a small spoon to fill each date’s pocket with the peanut butter mixture generously. The creaminess packed into the soft dates is what makes every bite so irresistible. Place each stuffed date on the lined tray, giving each some space.
Step 5: Chill the Filling
Pop the entire tray into the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes. This short chill firms up the peanut butter just enough so that when you dip them in chocolate, the filling holds its shape without melting or slipping out. Little tips like this save you mess and keep everything neat.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While the dates harden slightly, melt your dark chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 30 seconds until you achieve a silky smooth texture. The coconut oil ensures that the chocolate coats the dates perfectly and sets with a beautiful sheen.
Step 7: Dip the Dates in Chocolate
Working one at a time, use a fork or dipping tool to roll each date through the melted chocolate until fully covered. Then scrape off excess chocolate and place it back on the parchment-lined tray. This step is where your stuffed dates begin to look and feel truly decadent.
Step 8: Make Extras if Desired
If you have leftover chocolate or peanut butter, treat yourself by stuffing a few more dates! Depending on the size of your dates, you might end up with slightly more or fewer than 20, but every single one will be delicious.
Step 9: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle each chocolate-coated date with flaky Maldon sea salt while the chocolate is still soft. The sea salt bites into the sweetness and enhances the flavors, adding a final pop that makes these treats stand out.
Step 10: Final Freeze and Storage
Return the tray to the freezer for another 10 minutes so the chocolate hardens beautifully. Once set, transfer the dates to a container and keep them chilled in the fridge. They’ll stay perfect for about two weeks, although good luck making them last that long!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a classic way to garnish these stuffed dates, but you can also try finely chopped nuts for a bit more texture or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra chocolaty flair. Fresh mint leaves can add a surprising burst of color and freshness if you’re presenting these for guests.
Side Dishes
These dates are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee, herbal tea, or even a glass of red wine for an elegant dessert experience. They also make a lovely accompaniment to cheese boards, balancing sharp cheese with their sweet and nutty character.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the stuffed dates on a beautiful platter lined with fresh leaves or do a tiered presentation with small bowls of nuts and sea salts. You could also serve them individually on petite spoons or in mini cupcake liners to make them irresistible bite-sized gifts for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The stuffed dates keep brilliantly in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. This allows the chocolate to stay firm without becoming too hard, preserving that perfect creamy peanut butter center and soft date texture you adore.
Freezing
If you want to store your Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe for longer, freezing is an option. Just place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for a month or two, but be mindful the peanut butter filling might get quite firm.
Reheating
No reheating is really needed, but if you prefer the peanut butter to be a bit softer, simply allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it will melt the chocolate shell and make the dates messy.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter works beautifully in this recipe and offers a slightly different flavor profile while keeping that creamy nutty filling you want inside each date.
What if I don’t have Medjool dates?
Medjool dates are ideal because of their size and softness, but if you can find other large, soft dates, you can use those instead. Just make sure they’re pliable and easy to slice and stuff.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly?
Chilling the dates first and keeping the chocolate mixture smooth with the addition of coconut oil helps the coating set quickly. Also, store your finished bites in the fridge rather than at room temperature for best results.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you use vegan chocolate chips and a plant-based nut butter like almond or peanut. The other ingredients are all plant-based as well.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serve them chilled on a decorative platter with small forks or toothpicks. Adding fresh garnishes like mint or finely chopped nuts can create a beautiful display your guests will rave about.
Final Thoughts
The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe is truly one of those special treats that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. With only a handful of wholesome ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of these crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed bites ready to brighten your day or impress your guests. Go ahead and give this recipe a try — once you taste these stuffed dates, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates, also known as Damn Good Dates. These naturally sweet treats combine creamy peanut butter and extra dark chocolate, enhanced with optional pumpkin and hemp seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Perfect for a healthy snack or an elegant dessert, these no-bake, freezer-set bites deliver rich flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 medjool dates
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)
- 1 cup extra dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (such as maldon salt)
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Slice each date lengthwise carefully on one side only to create a pocket, then remove the pit to make space for the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with any optional seeds like pumpkin and hemp seeds to add crunch and nutrition. Stir well to integrate everything evenly.
- Prepare Freezing Surface: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment or wax paper, ensuring the surface is suitable for freezing your dates later.
- Stuff the Dates: Using a small spoon, fill each pitted date with the peanut butter mixture until fully stuffed, then place them on the lined surface.
- Freeze the Stuffed Dates: Freeze the stuffed dates for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the peanut butter filling to harden slightly, making it easier to coat with chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a shallow bowl, melt the extra dark chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Coat the Dates in Chocolate: Using a fork, dip each frozen, stuffed date into the melted chocolate to fully coat it. Use a small spatula to scrape excess chocolate off the sides of the bowl. Return the chocolate-coated date to the parchment paper.
- Make Additional Dates: If desired and if chocolate or peanut butter remains, stuff and coat more dates repeating the process. Yield may vary depending on date size.
- Add Finishing Touch: Sprinkle each chocolate-coated date with flaky sea salt (maldon salt) to balance sweetness and enhance flavor, then return the sheet to the freezer for an additional 10 minutes to harden the chocolate coating completely.
- Store Properly: After the chocolate hardens, transfer the dates to a container and store them in the refrigerator. These treats keep well for about two weeks, with refrigeration preferred to avoid peanut butter becoming too hard.
Notes
- Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and natural sweetness.
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter if preferred.
- The optional pumpkin and hemp seeds add nutritional benefits and extra texture.
- Freezing helps set the peanut butter filling and chocolate coating effectively.
- Use flaky sea salt for the best flavor contrast on top.
- Store in the refrigerator rather than the freezer for optimal texture when serving.
